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4.7. Mounting the ridger on the tractor
When mounting the ridger on the tractor, perform following activities:
-
disassemble a tool drawbar from lower rods of the tractor three-point suspension
system,
-
drive to the machine frame close enough with the tractor,
-
turn off the tractor engine, remove the key from the ignition switch and pull
handbrake,
-
install tractor lower rods onto the tool studs and secure with typical cotter pins,
-
using a pivot, link the upper connector of the tractor with the ridger frame rack and
secure with a typical cotter pin,
-
tighten gently chains of lower rods of the tractor, keeping the symmetry between the
ridger suspension and the tractor,
-
install portable light and warning signs and a triangular sing for low-speed.
CAUTION
It is forbidden to connect the machine with a tractor when the tractor engine is
running. It is forbidden to use other elements to secure the tool suspension system
than recommended by the manufacturer.
4.8. Ridger adjustment regulations
Before starting work with the ridger, it is necessary to perform its adjustment. Adjustment
of a ridger consists in setting the required operation depth, working units spacing and its
transversal and longitudinal leveling.
Change of working depth
is performed by proper putting forward caps of working devices
(ridging body, knurl, duckfoot share) and setting them in rails with the use of bolts.
Change of working unit spacing
is performed by loosening yoke 10 bolts (figure 1) and
setting the unit in the required position, and then tightening fastening bolts.
Transversal leveling
ensures setting equal working depth of the right and left units of the
ridger and is performed with a hook of the right rod of the tractor suspension system.
Longitudinal leveling
ensures setting equal working depth of working elements at the
front and back of the unit. Longitudinal levelling is performed by shortening or lengthening
the upper connector of the tractor suspension system. At properly performed leveling, the
ridger frame surface should be parallel to the ground during the tool work at the required
depth.
In case of clogging of double string rollers, the point of installing the pulling chain shall be
lowered.
WARNING
It is forbidden to perform adjustment of the ridger at the tractor engine running. When
changing the rows interspace it is necessary to use bent box spanners.
4.9. Operation with the ridger
During operation properly suspended and adjusted ridger should move equally after the
tractor and keep equal depth on the whole working width. Working speed of the ridger
should equal 5-8 km/h. The assembly tractor + ridger should be led so that it does not
damage or cut plants.
If during work, clogging of working units occurs, the ridger shall be cleaned by lifting it and
then by moving it, lower it down and continue operation. It is not allowed to leave the ridger
on a slope or other terrain gradient without securing it against moving.